"We think that the number of people addicted to opioids is relatively stable".

"The science is clear: addiction is a chronic disease and not a moral failing".

The report found there were more than 142,000 ER visits for suspected opioid overdoses between July 2016 and September 2017 in 45 states, which represented a 30 percent increase from the third quarter of 2016 to the third quarter of 2017.

"We don't have to wait until it's too late", Schuchat said. Overdoses may have actually slightly decreased in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. "Having the right data available at the right time can help direct the right resources to the most impacted areas".